SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ADDIS ABABA VIOLENCE, CALLS FOR CALM WHILE ELECTION IRREGULARITIES ARE INVESTIGATED

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ADDIS ABABA VIOLENCE, CALLS FOR CALM

WHILE ELECTION IRREGULARITIES ARE INVESTIGATED

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General condemns the violence in Addis Ababa that resulted in the shooting and reported killing of a number of demonstrators by security forces.  The Secretary-General is seriously concerned about the tense situation that has arisen due to controversies regarding the conduct of the recent elections.

The Secretary-General calls on the Ethiopian Government and the opposition leaders to do everything possible to resolve their differences through dialogue and legal means.  The efforts of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia to investigate the allegations of election irregularities, with the participation of all relevant parties, must be fully supported.

The Secretary-General urges the parties to commit themselves firmly to accept the final results that will be announced after investigations are completed.  In the meantime, he calls on all parties for calm, respect for the law and the rights of the people.

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